Netflix brings in Cartoon Network veteran

Netflix has appointed Cartoon Network’s former senior VP of original series as its director of kids and family.

Curtis Lelash

Curtis Lelash spent more than a decade at Turner-owned Cartoon Network’s original series department, initially as manager, comedy animation before rising up through the ranks.

The Adventure Time executive producer was promoted to the role of senior VP of original series at Cartoon Network in late 2016. Prior to joining Cartoon Network in 2005, Lelash worked in development at DreamWorks Animation on movies including How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda.

The appointment comes after Netflix hired another former DreamWorks exec, Melissa Cobb, as its VP of kids and family, last year.

Earlier this year C21 revealed Netflix had hired Alexi Wheeler, VP of animation production and development at Nickelodeon International, for a new UK-based role.

Netflix has one of the largest slates of animated children’s programming in the industry, featuring both acquired, coproduced and original content. Earlier this year Cobb said the firm was aiming to release between 50 and 60 kids and family shows in 2018.